Kolkata Auto Strike Disrupts Evening Commute After Clash with Local Traders
In a significant disruption to Kolkata's public transport system, at least 45 auto-rickshaws operating on the busy Tollygunge Phari-Behala route abruptly suspended services on Tuesday evening. The sudden halt in operations followed a heated confrontation between auto drivers and local traders, including the owner of a popular biryani shop, creating chaos for thousands of evening commuters.
Commuters Bear the Brunt of Transport Disruption
The auto strike hit hardest during peak evening hours, particularly affecting passengers returning home after using Metro services up to Rabindra Sarobar station. With the primary auto route suddenly unavailable, commuters were forced to scramble for alternative transportation options, leading to overcrowding at Metro exits and bus stops throughout the Behala area.
Many passengers reported being compelled to book expensive app cabs or shared taxis at significantly higher rates, while those waiting for autos on alternative routes like Tollygunge-Behala Chowrasta and Jadavpur PS-Behala faced unusually long queues. The Rashbehari-Behala route witnessed an abrupt fare increase as operators capitalized on the sudden surge in demand.
Root Cause: Property Dispute Escalates into Public Confrontation
The conflict originated from a longstanding property dispute between auto operators and local shopkeepers at the bustling Tollygunge Phari crossing. Auto drivers claimed they wanted to renovate their union office located at the crossing but were being obstructed by traders who alleged that their shop space had been forcefully occupied by auto operators.
"The situation escalated from verbal arguments to a minor physical clash before auto drivers attempted to stage a protest squat at the busy intersection," according to eyewitness accounts. Police intervention became necessary to separate the two groups and prevent further escalation of violence.
Conflicting Accounts of Service Suspension
While police officials stated that the auto union voluntarily decided to suspend services until the matter could be resolved through dialogue, union representatives presented a different version of events. They claimed that law enforcement authorities asked them to cease operations without establishing any formal peace agreement or resolution mechanism.
Local resident Purabi Roy expressed frustration at the recurring inconvenience faced by commuters: "Each time it is the commuter who has to suffer for some random actions by the auto operators. There needs to be tighter regulations to ensure they cannot resort to such pressure tactics intermittently, disrupting public life."
Broader Implications for Kolkata's Transport Ecosystem
The incident highlights several systemic issues within Kolkata's public transportation network:
- Vulnerability of last-mile connectivity when key auto routes become unavailable
- Absence of formal dispute resolution mechanisms between transport operators and local businesses
- Lack of contingency plans for sudden service disruptions affecting major commuter corridors
- Regulatory gaps that allow transport operators to suspend services without adequate notice
The disruption comes at a time when Kolkata's transport infrastructure is already under strain, with commuters increasingly dependent on integrated multi-modal journeys combining Metro, buses, and auto-rickshaws for daily travel. The incident underscores the need for more robust coordination between different stakeholders in the city's transportation ecosystem to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
